TLX joins Acura lineup this fall

New sedan replaces TL, TSX

DETROIT - Acura is replacing its aging TL and TSX sedans with the all-new TLX, which was revealed in prototype form Tuesday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The goal of the new TLX is to increase the performance of Acura's mid-size sedan. That will be done through either an all-new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, or a 3.5-liter V-6 sending power through a nine-speed transmission.

That power will be sent to the road using either an all-wheel-drive system that controls the amount of torque sent to each rear wheel for improved handling, or a front-wheel-drive layout. Both versions will incorporate an all-wheel steering system that moves all four wheels for better control.

Naturally, the car will have a host of technology and luxury features, like a forward collision warning system, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot indicator.

In terms of size, the TLX is not quite as long as the TL, which is nearly 4 inches longer. However, interior room is about the same as the previous car.

To further emphasize the sporty nature of the TLX, Acura also showed a GT racecar version of the TLX in Detroit. The GT car will compete in the Pirelli World Challenge Championship.

The new TLX in street form should be appearing in Acura dealerships this fall.